Reaching Across Campus for Collaboration

October 29, 2010

I love the idea of collaboration. It broadens the creative knowledge base, creates a richer planning environment, provides opportunity for improved productivity, and fosters a broader sense of ownership.

CC image via flickr (by woodleywonderworks)

Lynne Bisko and Rebecca Pope-Ruark (Elon University) have published an excellent article in the October issue of C&RL News entitled “Making the Video: Tips for Successful Library-Class Collaborations.” The article describes a collaborative effort between Elon’s Belk Library and a class supported by the University’s Center for Undergraduate Publishing and Information Design (CUPID). Bisko and Pope-Ruark conclude the article with some practical advice for other librarians considering similar collaboration with students. This is worth the read.

Opportunities for collaboration abound. Most recently on our campus, the library…

Worked with some students in graphic design on logo concepts

Coordinated with Student Services during the 2010 Census to educate students about the U.S. Census and provide information about Census jobs

Also with Student Services, shared information about career-related resources and will be crafting a plan for embedding library resources on the Student Services website

Is considering a collaborative effort between our library and a marketing class

Has begun a conversation with the Art Department about a partnership involving the creativity of some art students, paint, and library walls. The students are loving the idea. I’ll be walking through the library with an art professor later today. Exciting stuff.

Does your library have any stories of collaboration across campus? Successes? Learning experiences?